The Boston Celtics lost their third straight preseason game tonight to the Philadelphia 76ers 97–85. This one especially hurt as the Sixers have come out and said that every loss is a win for them this year in their campaign to get the top pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

The Celtics started the game by picking up right where they left off on Wednesday putting together an impressive 12-0 run to close out the first quarter giving them a slight 21-20 lead. Apparently the Bill Simmons coined “Riggins for Wiggins” doesn’t begin until the regular season does, as the young Sixers outscored the Celtics 34-17 to close the half 54-38.

The third and fourth quarters saw much of the same for the green as they just could not find the hoop. Despite non-selfish play, lots of passing, and some good open looks, things literally were not falling Boston’s way. The C’s had trouble capitalizing on turnovers – of which there were many- and were out rebounded by the Sixers all night.

Despite another frustrating night of searching for the Contra Code of line ups for the Celtics, there were a few bright spots to keep in mind:

Gerald Wallace’s veteran leadership WILL be a positive influence this season

Phil Pressey continuing to impress on both sides of the ball

Jared Sullinger has adopted the KG post whistle shot block

Things to work on:

Fast break points

Capitalizing on mistakes

Offensive rebounding
Interior defense

The tempo of tonight’s game was not what Brad Stevens had drawn up, but during Project: Reboot, Boston is going to get games like this. The Celtics will get a shot at their thus far elusive first win tomorrow night in New Hampshire against the New York Knicks.